Whatever Your Journey

Whatever Your Journey

Unplanned Pregnancy? We Can Help

If you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and do not feel you are ready to parent, you may wish to consider adoption. We will be happy to discuss all options related to the pregnancy with you. If you do choose adoption, our agency provides each birth mother with her own personal birth parent counselor who guides you through the journey. Most importantly, she can talk to you and listen to your feelings while going through the journey of adoption.

We would love to answer any of your questions about our program, and to assist you in making an adoption plan that will work for you.

Nevada law allows for appropriate and reasonable living expenses during your pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Your Birth Parent counselor will help you develop a budget to cover the approved expenses to assist you during your pregnancy and post-partum recovery.

Nevada law allows for appropriate and reasonable living expenses during your pregnancy and post-partum recovery. We want you to feel safe and secure in your living situation and help provide shelter to you and your family. Your Birth Parent counselor will help you in determining the help you may need to assist with paying your rent during your pregnancy and post-partum recovery.

We understand how important it is to take care of yourself during your pregnancy. Your Birth Parent counselor will help you with appropriate transportation needs during your pregnancy and post-partum recovery. This could include, but is not limited to, transportation to: Doctor, Medicaid, SNAP, etc. We pay for any moms Uber to our office to meet in confidential surroundings.

Your Birth Parent Counselor will walk with you every step of the way on your adoption journey. She will meet with you one on one to help make the process as clear and easy as possible. She will assist you in making a plan of adoption that is special to you. The agency has a Birth Parent Support Group that meets regularly where you can talk with other Birth Parents who have made a plan of adoption. You may attend these meetings for as long as you would like.

Answers to Common Questions

Why choose adoption?

The choice of adoption is a positive alternative to an unplanned pregnancy. An adoption decision can be difficult to make on your own. The agency will be there to provide support, information and pregnancy related counseling so you can make the best decision for you and your family.

Why Choose A Local Agency

Our agency has 3 local offices. Each local office has experienced adoption caseworker who will guide you throughout the entire adoption process. Your local adoption caseworker is important to be able to assist with community resources such as: Medicaid, SNAP, Doctor, Hospital, financial services and Transportation. Each adoption caseworker knows Nevada laws regarding adoption which prevents last minute complications.

Can I choose and meet the adoptive family?

YES! You have the option of selecting the adoptive family. Each family makes a picture profile, which is a mini-scrap book that tells you about their lives. All prospective adoptive families are extensively screened. They must complete a very in-depth home study investigation prior to be approved as potential adoptive parents.

If you wish, the adoptive family you’ve selected can come meet you before the baby is born. You can have as much or as little of a relationship with the adoptive family as you would like.

Will the agency help me with living and medical expenses?

The choice of adoption is always at no cost to the birth parent. Nevada law allows the agency to help with pregnancy related expenses and medical costs. If needed, the agency will assist you with your applications for Medicaid, SNAP and WIC. The portion of the medical expenses not covered by private insurance or by state funds will be provided by the adoptive family.

We understand how important it is for you to stay healthy and well taken care of during your pregnancy. Your case worker will be available to assist you with all medical appointments, transportation and pregnancy related expenses.

Will I have to find my own attorney to sign my relinquishment documents?

The agency believes that all birth parents should have their own legal counsel when placing their child for adoption. We will help you find an attorney who can answer all your questions, review all your relinquishment paperwork and documents, and counsel you making sure adoption is the right choice for you and your child.

Can I have an Open Adoption?

Adoption is a shared gift of love between two families. Ongoing correspondence is definitely an option for you as a birth parent. Openness in adoption is a continuum and no single arrangement is right for everyone. Your assigned caseworker will discuss with you Semi-Open, Open or Closed adoptions.

Can I meet with an agency representative to discuss my options in a confidential setting?

We have local offices in Reno and Las Vegas and caseworker available in all other areas of Nevada. Our agency staff is always willing to discuss any adoption related issues with you at a location of your choice. All communication is confidential by law and practice.

What rights does a Birth Father have in an adoption plan?

Birth Father’s have legal rights and responsibilities pertaining to adoption in Nevada. Our agency staff is always willing to discuss any adoption related issues with you at a location of your choice. All communication is confidential by law and practice.

Thank You Notes

Maire empathetically and patiently listened to and help communicate all of our hopes and requests of the birth and post birth process. We felt she was really there to support us as much as the birth mom. And we loved how supportive she was to our birth mom! “Grateful” doesn’t even seem big enough to encompass how we feel about our interactions with Adoption Choices of Nevada Reno. Coming from an 8 year infertility struggle, we were a bit nervous to embark on another unknown journey toward building our family. Lainie, Faith and Maire were always patient, supportive and empathetic as they listened, answered our questions and provided invaluable insights. Overall, they treat us and your birth parents with unwavering kindness. It was a beautiful journey with a very happy ending!

Lainie and Maire were amazing to work with! The years of experience you all have in this business is priceless! Thanks to Faith for all your help during the post-placement process! You guys really are the real deal and we are eternally grateful for your passion, expertise and service to us, our birth mom and our sweet baby girl.

We feel that Lainie was extremely helpful and supportive throughout our adoption process. Adoption is a nerve-wracking experience, but Lainie helped us tremendously throughout the process. We were thoroughly satisfied with the services provided

Even though we had a very positive experience with our birth parents, they chose to parent. Through the entire rollercoaster of ups and downs and all that our adoption entailed, Lainie was kind, supportive and professional. She was empathetic without being fake. We are forever changed (in a good way) from our month in Reno. We are so blessed that even in the middle of the 72 hours we had a loving cradle care worker, an amazing adoption worker, and the people in Reno were kind and supportive as well. For us, what could have been bad was good, because you all were willing to look for the positive during a stressful time. We are forever grateful that we were in Reno to become Tyler’s family. He is a blessing and truly a gift. Lainie and Maire were willing to work with us each step of the way. They listened and valued who we are. Both were willing to go beyond conventional for us.

This was our second domestic adoption and we couldn’t be more thrilled, impressed or appreciative of all Adoption Choices did for us and our birthmother. We were kept informed every step of the way and Lainie couldn’t have been kinder or more accessible. Truly we couldn’t be happier. Our experience was night and day as compared to out first adoption. Lainie was fabulous and made this all flawless and easy.

Adoption Is A Shared Gift

Be a hero in your child’s life. We are here to help you every step of the way.

Social Media

We are operating full service during this time and will not be shutting down operations. Please let us know how we can help.

Jacqueline Gay, LSW, LCSW

Adoptive Parent Caseworker

My name is Jackie Gay and I have worked for Adoption Choices of Nevada as a Home Study Specialist since 2012. I have been a social worker for 30 years and a clinical social worker for 23 years. My education includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the California State University, Sacramento with an emphasis on children and families. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, skiing, and reading biographies.

Erica Palmer

Legal Assistant

My name is Erica Palmer and I am a Legal Assistant for Adoption Choices of Nevada. I have been working for Adoption Choices of Nevada since 2016. I love working with the team members in the Reno office. We truly feel like a family. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and outdoor activities.

Faith Smith

Legal Assistant/ICPC Specialist

My name is Faith Smith and I have been working for Adoption Choices of Nevada since 2010. I have a Paralegal Degree and enjoy assisting families in their journey to adoption. I feel blessed to share in the moment an adoptive family bonds with their baby and the birth parents. There is no greater love or sacrifice than the love for a child.

Coral Fantasia, BSW, LSW

Birth Parent Caseworker

My name is Coral Fantasia, and I am the newest member of Adoption Choices of Nevada. I have a Bachelor’s in Social Work and am currently working on a Master’s in Social Work. I have been working in the Social Work field since 2018 and have been working for Adoption Choices since 2019. As a Case Worker, I primarily work with the birth parents by supporting them throughout the pregnancy and post adoption. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my dogs, playing soccer, and snowboarding in the Winter Season.

Lainie Burak, LSW, MSW

Child Placement Director

My name is Lainie Burak and I am the Social Services Director for Adoption Choices of Nevada. I am a licensed social worker, have a Master’s Degree in Social Work and have been working in the field of Adoption since 1999. I have been working with Adoption Choices of Nevada since 2008. As Social Services Director, I spend time supporting both adoptive and birth parents on their journey to adoption. Being adopted myself, I am passionate about honesty and integrity in adoption, and I hope to help others by sharing my personal and professional experience. In my free time, I love spending time with my family outdoors, hiking, and reading.

Nicole Ferlito

Nicole Ferlito

Nicole is thrilled to be the newest member of the Adoption Choices team! With pervious adoption experience she understands the importance of working with people in a more intimate capacity. It takes all members of the triad to help assist with a positive adoption experience on all ends–both Expecting Parents and Hopeful Adoptive Parents. With a BA in Women’s Studies, she brings patience, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to empathize without judgment. Nicole is a Chicago Native and coming from a big, traditional Italian family, she understands the importance of love, family, and relationships. Outside of work, she enjoys, traveling as much as possible, attending concerts, cheering on her Chicago Bears, and rehabbing recycled furniture and goods.

Patience Bramlett

Patience Bramlett

Patience Bramlett, a University of Southern Mississippi news editorial graduate, is a seasoned and award-winning freelance writer. She is also a passionate reader, whose only wish is to live life without fear of the unknown. Her motivation and inspiration to live her best life stems from the words of John Lennon:

“When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy.’ They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.”

After serving as an Editorial Intern for six months, she is continuing her career with Adoption Choices as our Content Writer. Fueled by her love of family, she hopes to educate those looking to grow their families through adoption.

Rachel Robertson

Writing Director

Rachel Robertson is a published journalist, book editor, certified Publishing Specialist, and aspiring novelist. She graduated from Central Washington University (CWU) in March 2011, having found her writing voice within the Creative Nonfiction genre and grew to work as a freelance book editor for small presses all across the United States.

Rachel Robertson is a published journalist, book editor, certified Publishing Specialist, and aspiring novelist. She graduated from Central Washington University (CWU) in March 2011, having found her writing voice within the Creative Nonfiction genre and grew to work as a freelance book editor for small presses all across the United States.

Rachel Robertson is a published journalist, book editor, certified Publishing Specialist, and aspiring novelist. She graduated from Central Washington University (CWU) in March 2011, having found her writing voice within the Creative Nonfiction genre and grew to work as a freelance book editor for small presses all across the United States.

Stephanie Little, LSW

Adoption Social Worker

Stephanie joined the staff of Adoption Choices of NV as a Birth Parent Counselor in July 2015. With over ten years of experience working in the area of Child Welfare, both with governmental and private agencies, she was a welcomed addition. Stephanie has a Bachelor’s in Social Work from UNLV. When not working she enjoys spending time with friends and family. Stephanie is a huge animal lover and keeps busy with her own three furbabies at home.

Meg Steinitz, LSW, MSW

Adoption Social Worker

I have worked in adoption and child welfare since 2001 and have been with Adoption Choices since 2013. I have a Master’s degree in Social Work from USC and am a Licensed Social Worker in Nevada. I work with Birth Parents and Adoptive Parents throughout Northern Nevada and seek to empower clients to make the best possible decisions for themselves, their family and their child. My experience working in the foster care system gave me an appreciation of the importance of permanency for children, and I love being a part of the creation of forever families.

Cindy Johnson, LSW

Adoption Counselor

I have over twenty-years experience working with birth families and their children. I have been employed with Adoption Choices of Nevada for almost four years as a Birth Parent Counselor. I have been involved in forming and leading the Birth Parent Support Group in the Reno office. Married with five children, three of which are adopted. Professional Trainer and Child Advocate.

Maire Burgess, LASW

Executive Director

I have been a social worker since 1972 and have practiced primarily in the area of children and families. I retired from the State of Nevada and Washoe County Social services ten years ago. I supervised the Adoption Unit in both agencies for more than 13 years. I have been the Executive Director of Adoption Choices of Nevada since its inception in 2008. I have an amazing staff in both the Reno and Las Vegas offices; they make me and the agency look great. I have an enormous passion for adoption and take great pride in the client centered services my staff brings to both the Birth and Adoptive Parents during their journey to a successful adoption.

Jo McLaughlin, MA, LASW

Director of Social Services

Jo McLaughlin, MA, LASW, has been the social service director for the last 7 years. As a 41 year resident of Las Vegas, over half of those years have been working in the adoption field. Jo has a Master’s in Counseling and a Bachelor’s in Social Work. Jo: “I believe that working with pregnant women has always been my calling, this is a ministry more than a job.” Jo believes strongly in adoption and walking the journey with all parties of the triad is a blessing. Jo has been married for 38 years and they have grown daughters.

Required Documents

Birth Certificates

Financial Statement

Divorce Decree from previous marriages (if applicable)

Home Study (and update if applicable) (two copies with original signatures from your home study professional)

HIV, Hep B and Hep C test results

Income tax returns for the last three years (first page only)

Verification of Employment (letter from employer) and current employment history (where and for how long)

Copy of Native American Heritage enrollment (if applicable)

Marriage license or domestic partnership

Verification of medical insurance under which the child will be covered

Military Discharge (if applicable)

Updated physician reports

Five reference letters, with phone numbers for purposes of verifying. Nevada Applicants: We will send the reference forms to the references you provide on your application.

Copy of Social Security Cards, Driver’s Licenses, or Passports

State Bureau of Investigation report, fingerprint check, Sex Offender and Child Abuse Registry, where available

Profile Book and “Dear Birthparent Letter” (5 copies)

Ebony Clayton, LCSW

Home Study

Ebony Clayton is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a graduate degree in Social Work from the University of Utah and an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Las Vegas Nevada. Ebony also has a minor in Sociology.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Ebony provides individual, family, and couples psychotherapy as well as group treatment. She believes in treating the whole person and tailors treatment to meet each individual’s needs and treatment goals.

Ebony joined Adoption Choices in 2016 to provide Home Studies for Adoptive Families. Ebony has worked with foster and adoptive families for more than 12yrs and enjoys providing them with support and guidance.

Amanda Travers, LSW

Adoption Social Worker

Amanda Travers, LSW, received her Bachelor’s Degree from UNLV School of Social Work in 2008 and is licensed as a LSW by the Nevada Board of Examiners for Social Workers. She has been in practice for a little over 8 years both as a Social Work Case Manager for the state of Nevada as well as Adoption Social Worker for Adoption Choices of Nevada. Amanda is a 20+ year resident of Las Vegas, moving here from southern California in 1991. She has been married to her wonderful husband for 9 years and is a mother of two beautiful children. She is passionate about her work and has made it her life’s mission to help insure a better quality of life for all who are in need. The three most important things to Amanda are her family, friends, and faith.

Caitlin Cafero

Office Assistant

Caitlin Cafero is the Administrative Assistant. She has been employed with Adoption Choices of Nevada since March 2013. She is responsible for the daily office tasks. She assists the Office Mgr. and Director to help their jobs be a little easier. Her favorite part about her job is seeing families being created. Caitlin was born and raised in Las Vegas. She is married and they have two very energetic little boys. In her free time she enjoys spending time out doors with her family.

Kristin Cirimele

Office Manager

Kristin Cirimele has been employed by Adoption Choices of Nevada since February of 2011. She started out as the Office Admin and is now the Office Manager. She is responsible for overseeing our office and making sure everything is running smoothly. Kristin is also responsible for assisting Adoptive parents who want to get started with our agency.

Her background is a BA in Psychology and almost 15 years of detail oriented office management and customer service. She loves working with our clients every day and seeing their journey through adoption. She has four children of her own and spending time with her family is what she enjoys most when she isn’t working.

Barbara Draper, MSW, LSW

Adoption Social Worker

Barbara has a master’s degree in social work and 34 years of social work experience. She started her career with the Nevada State Division of Child & Family Services, first in child protective services, then foster care, and finally adoptions. Barbara has been an adoption social worker for over 26 years, six of those years with Adoption Choices of Nevada completing adoption home studies, supervising placements, and finalizing adoptions in court. She also was employed for six years as a trainer for the Understanding Infant Adoption Program, which offered training sessions throughout Nevada.

Mary Laman

Adoption Social Worker

My name is Mary Laman and I recently joined the staff at Adoption Choices of Nevada in July 2014. I will be working with adoptive parents, completing their home studies and post placement visits. I graduated from UNLV in December 2001 with a Bachelors degree in Social Work. My first social work position was with the State of Nevada working in the MOMS Program. This program served pregnant women on Medicaid ensuring that they were receiving appropriate medical care and given needed services to assist in a healthy pregnancy and baby. On November 1, 2003 I accepted a position with the State of Nevada as a social worker in foster care. I worked with parents, children and foster parents until my retirement in October 2013. I have resided in Nevada since 1979. I have been married for 39 years and have two children and five grandchildren who are the joy of my life. I am happy to join the staff at Adoption Choices of Nevada to assist and support adoptive parents in their adoption journey.

Brittney Gamble, MSW, LSW

Licensed Social Worker and Birth Parent Counselor

Brittney Gamble is a licensed social worker and Birth Parent Counselor with Adoption Choices. She earned her Bachelors degree of Social Work from Brigham Young University in 2008 and went on to complete the Master of Social Work Advanced Standing Program at Salem State University in 2012. She is passionate about working with families and has practiced social work in a variety of settings including in an elementary school, a family court, and two hospitals. Brittney’s adoption experience includes supporting families as post-adoption social worker and employment as a family case manager for the state of Massachusetts. Additionally, Brittney has three adopted siblings. Brittney’s hobbies include reading, traveling, and baking sweet treats. However, what Brittney loves most in life is to spend time with her family and her dog, Schnitzel.

Christina Smith

Birth Parent Case Manager

Christina has been a social worker for ten years. She attained her Bachelors Degree in Psychology in 2002 and then completed her Master Degree in Social Work in 2004. Christina started her social work career working for Child Protective Services ensuring the well being of abused and neglected children. She then worked as an adoptions social worker in the public sector assisting in finding forever families for foster children. After the public sector, Christina started working in domestic and international adoptions writing homestudies for adoptive families. Christina moved to Las Vegas in 2009 from Southern California. Christina has worked for Adoption Choices for about two years as a birth parent case manager as well as works with adoptive families in the homestudy process. Christina has a bright and outgoing son that is in the first grade. During her free time she enjoys traveling. She has traveled to over 50 countries worldwide.